If you are a woman or man who is being sexually harassed at work, you know how degrading and harmful it is to your self-esteem and mental health. At some point, you must either decide to accept it, quit or fight back.
There is no right or wrong answer for your choice. Some people don’t have the economic luxury to quit a job that’s sustaining their family. But for those who are ready to take action against sexual harassment in the workplace, it is important to stay within the limits of Rhode Island law. Below is something to consider.
Can I record conversations between me and my sexual harasser?
You need to gather evidence of any acts of sexual harassment at work. But that, too, can be challenging. Not all sexual harassment is obvious to others. But what if your harasser leaves you lewd messages or discusses your anatomy over the phone? What can you do with that?
Rhode Island is a one-party consent state regarding conversations. In plain language, it means that as long as one of the persons involved in the conversation consents to it being recorded, it is legal. Since that party can be you, make sure that you gather all the recorded evidence of sexual harassment that you can.
What should you do next?
Ideally, your evidence-gathering is already being guided by someone with extensive knowledge of Rhode Island’s employment laws. Proving sexual harassment can be challenging — and it can be quite traumatic to have to relive some of the worst moments. But by assembling a support team around you, you can hold your workplace harasser liable for their illegal actions.